RPI frat pledges facing charges

One man accused of high school burglary, others with trespass

Published 10:38 am, Wednesday, February 9, 2011

TROY -- Police arrested six college students pledging an RPI fraternity after they allegedly trespassed early Wednesday at Troy High School, where door signs and a school banner were taken.

Police said Alexander M. Brown, 19, of 72 Kinderhook St. in Chatham was carrying door signs, a school banner and a box cutter as he was walking away from the high school.

Another five men were seen running away from the school through the athletic fields.

The five men were arrested around the Sunset Terrace area, near the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity house known as "Ski Lodge" because of its wooden ski-lodge-like appearance.

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Men at the fraternity house on Wednesday confirmed the six men are Phi Kappa Theta pledges.

Police said their investigation revealed the six men were at the high school as part of a pledging activity involving shoveling a path through the Troy High grounds. Police said it was unclear whether the burglary is also connected to the pledging ritual.

Brown was charged with third-degree burglary, possession of burglar's tools, possession of stolen property and criminal mischief and was set to be arraigned in Troy City Court.

At the frat house around noon Wednesday, two brothers outside had not heard of the incident. Inside, red plastic cups lined tables in a large room where a few couches, chairs and video game controllers surrounded a large flat-screen TV.

Fraternity President Nicholas Monti said he could not comment on the incident, but said the six students had been released and were back on campus. He said he was due to meet with university officials about the incident some time Wednesday.

RPI spokeswoman Jessica Otitigbe released a statement on Wednesday confirming RPI officials are looking into the incident.

"RPI is aware of the incident that occurred involving members of the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity, and is actively investigating the incident," the statement reads. "We will work with the Troy Police Department. We take these matters very seriously. As this is an ongoing investigation and for the integrity of our conduct process, no further information can be released until the investigation is completed."

On Facebook, the fraternity is described as a "chance to experience college life to its full potential by becoming a well rounded gentleman and having a great time doing it." According to RPI's website, the group has 74 members with an average 2.82 grade point average for spring 2010.